When I came to Maine I did not know who Andrew Wyeth was, but I quickly learned. One of my favorite subjects is his painting of the Olson House in Cushing. I have visited there alone, and with family and friends many times and still enjoy walking the property and wandering through the house. As many know, I am a sucker for old buildings and historic locations. For me, the Olson House pretty much captures everything that appeals to me. The weathered wooden exteriors with aging clapboards, rooms with peeling paint and plaster, old glass, simple furnishings and, last but not least, the great kitchen and stove and attached barn.

The Olson House is now looked after by the Farnsworth Museum. As you might imagine, a building this age requires special attention. It is now closed as it goes through a long-term historic project. The house was built in the 1770s and is now designated a National Historic Landmark. I should hope so. If the building and property could speak, imagine the stories to be shared. It is one of those places that represents a time and way of life long forgotten by the modern world, yet it helps us connect with the past and the saved presence of history. 

During one of my last visits to the Olson House, I had plenty of time to wander around and through the house and barn. The kitchen was especially interesting because I knew that setting from my growing up years. The stove made me warm despite its lack of heat. It was sort of like an old car remembered from the past — comfortable and safe. A place you could go to relax and spend time without worry. A stove like that had real meaning. 

I made a photograph of the kitchen with its stove that I felt would be a good subject for an Allan Walton painting. He liked old stuff and could replicate the feeling I had. Allan had a special gift for a lot of things. He painted, carved, designed and built in almost endless ways. It seemed he had unlimited abilities. He was also challenged, as are many gifted creators, which could sometimes make for difficult interactions. Throughout the years, however, Allan managed to produce a multitude of work, from paintings to magnificent wooden furniture, to entire redrawings of sophisticated yachts during his associations with Hodgdon Yacht and other innovative venues. 

I showed Allan the photograph I had made and asked him if he might be interested in creating a painting. He liked the idea and we struck a deal. At the time, Allan was suffering from some difficult health challenges which kept him from doing much outside the apartment where he and Barbara, his wife, lived. It was not a big deal to visit with him from time to time and to learn more about the processes he employed as an artist. He was not shy about offering “advice” about perspective, color and lighting, for which I was very grateful. I learned a lot from artists over the years. If you could catch Allan on the right day, much could be shared.

I never left his work without learning something new and helpful.

We, as well as many other local individuals, have many of Allan’s paintings and some of his unique furniture designs. Despite his unfortunate physical decline, Allan managed to produce a serious body of work. We are reminded of his talent frequently and are grateful for his gift.